About this Program

This entry-level degree program in dental hygiene encompasses two years of pre-requisite and general education courses followed by two years of dental hygiene theory and practice, community oral health, research methodology and teaching strategies. Upon completion of the dental hygiene program, graduates are eligible to take the Dental Hygiene National Board Examination as well as the regional and state board examinations to become licensed dental hygienists.

Program Highlights

  • Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.

  • 100% first time pass rate on National Dental Hygiene Board examinations and Dental Hygiene Clinical Board examinations.

  • Prepares students for careers as clinicians, educators, researchers, and more.

  • Taught by award-winning educators who are textbook authors, published in top journals, and who conduct and present research internationally.

  • On campus clinic equipped with cutting-edge technology.

  • Live patient and simulator clinical experiences.

  • Professional autonomy (not affiliated with a dental school).

  • Graduates are prepared to pursue advanced degrees with the opportunity to do so within the same institution through a linked BS-MS program.

AT A GLANCE
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Degree Earned
Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
Delivery Modes
On-Campus

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Dental Hygienists

$74,680 Median Salary

Clean teeth and examine oral areas, head, and neck for signs of oral disease. May educate patients on oral hygiene, take and develop x rays, or apply fluoride or sealants.

Alumni Careers

Johnson and Johnson
Universities
Private Dental Practices

Requirements

What are the requirements to apply for Dental Hygiene at ODU?
Students entering the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program in Dental Hygiene should meet the minimum university admission requirements Undergraduate Admission.
  • Applicants must apply separately to the Bachelor of Science Entry Level Dental Hygiene program through the online American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Dental Hygiene Centralized Application Service (DHCAS). The ADEA DHCAS application must be complete by February 1st and reach verified status by March 1st.

  • All prerequisites of the lower division general education and departmental requirements for dental hygiene must be completed with a minimum grade of C or better prior to starting the dental hygiene major. Grades of C- or lower will not be accepted.

  • Required documents for the ADEA DHCAS application include: all post-secondary educational official transcripts, unofficial high school transcripts, 2 ODU School of Dental Hygiene Recommendation Forms, and an essay. 

  • ADEA DCHAS calculates grade point averages (GPAs) for all applicants.  Admission to the dental hygiene program is very competitive and decisions are heavily weighted on GPAs. A minimum overall GPA of 3.00 and Science GPA of 3.30 is required. However, most accepted applicants exceed these minimums.

  • For additional application details, visit our website

Transfer

At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...

Cost

Estimated rates for the 2023-24 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.

Active Duty Military Rate
Cost Per-Credit $250
Virginia Resident
Cost Per-Credit $393
Technology Delivered Courses Outside Virginia and/or the United States
Cost Per-Credit $407
Non-Resident
Cost Per-Credit $1,073

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial aid

Contact

Assistant Professor

3102 HEALTH SCIENCES BLDG
NORFOLK, 23529